Ivivva vs. Lululemon: Scuba Hoodie and Wunder Under Alternatives

Left: Size 4 White Tinted Canvas Lululemon Scuba Hoodie, Right: Size 14 Prosperous Purple / Grapealicious Ivivva Hoodie Stitch

 The Lululemon Scuba Hoodie and Wunder Unders are two of my favorite staple Lululemon items; I pretty much exclusively wear Wunder Under Pants and Crops for working out (except for running) and the Scuba Hoodie is so warm and cozy for lounging around my chilly house as well as for walking the dogs in the cool Santa Monica evenings. Ivivva is actually the girl's line from Lululemon, but I've found that I can fit into some of their larger sizes, and many of the styles and fabrics are identical between the two lines. The fabric for the hoodies are pretty much identical; the main design differences are no stretchy ribbing on the Ivivva Hoodie on the arms and the sides, so it's a little looser fitting, Ivivva pocket is mesh lined with an interior key / phone pocket, as opposed to fleecy, the Ivivva thumbholes are horizontal slits rather than vertical slits. The size 14 Ivivva Hoodie is longer in the body and wider in the sleeves and body than the size 4 Scuba Hoodie, but the sleeve cuffs are shorter. Hood size seems identical. Only caveat is that I haven't tried zipping up the Ivivva hoodie (since I'm 38 weeks pregnant), so I'm not sure how the fit across the chest / shoulders is. As for the Wunder Under comparison, the Warm'er Tights are actually made of running luon, which is stretchier, softer, and warmer than regular luon, which is what Wunder Unders are generally made of. I think the Ivivva Rhythmic Tights are more similar in terms of fabric and style to the Wunder Unders. The size 12 Ivivva Warm'er Tights are a little narrower and shorter than my size 4 camo Wunder Unders, but to me the fit is about the same, because running luon is a lot stretchier, and Wunder Unders are too long for me anyway. Also, running luon doesn't turn see through when it is too tight, unlike regular luon, so a slightly snugger fit is acceptable. I like the bright colors and fun details of the Ivivva line; I think workout gear should be colorful and bold, more inspiring that way. Best part is, Ivivva is a lot cheaper than Lululemon, both these pieces were 60-70% cheaper than the Lululemon version. I actually bought these pieces from Zulily, though I've also purchased directly from Ivivva's online store. In the US, Ivivva is currently available only online, but I hear that they are looking to open brick and mortar stores soon. Ivivva is definitely worth checking out if you love Lululemon!

Size 4 Scuba Hoodie on Top, Size 14 Ivivva Hoodie on the bottom

Left: Lululemon Size 4 Camo Wunder Under Pant, Right: Ivivva Size 12 Grapealicious Striped Warm'er Tight

Lululemon Winter Binge: Stride Jacket, Quickstep Pants, Triumphant Tote, Power Technique Tank and More...

Stride Jacket in Black Stripes Galore and Quickstep Pant in Black

I've been on quite the Lululemon binge the last few months. Fortunately, I had received several generous gift cards (I'm lucky to have family that know me so well!) and everything was pretty significantly discounted, so I've definitely satisfied my Lululemon needs for 2012. The markdowns have been pretty good recently, which only happens about twice a year, around Christmas and over the summer. One of my favorite purchases was actually the Stride Jacket in Black Stripes Galore. It's actually my first Stride Jacket (I have a Define and Mynah Jacket, as well as a Gratitude Wrap, Savasana Wrap and Flashback Jacket), but I love it! I like the long length, high collar that keeps me warm, hood, two way zipper, and especially the pattern of the jacket; it's like nothing else I have and the stripes are actually this really cool black, grey and purple combination (a little hard to see in pictures). I also really like the Quickstep pants; I've been wearing them almost everyday since I got them. My Dance Studio Pants are probably my favorite casual pants and I would wear them everyday if I could. Pluses of the Quickstep pant vs. the Dance Studio: slimmer in the leg with a little more design and stitching up and down the leg, flattering back pockets and no front drawstring bulge. Minuses: the extra stitching design was a little distracting and uncomfortable at first, the bagginess of the Dance Studio pants makes them even more comfortable and the Quicksteps can't be hemmed. Not a big deal because I didn't hem my Dance Studio Pants until well over a year after wear. I just have to tighten and tie the bottom of the Quickstep pants around my ankles and fold over the extra fabric. The Triumphant Tote has been an awesome travel bag as well as large around town bag with a billion pockets (future diaper bag?), the Power Technique tank is really comfortable, especially with the super soft mini check striped top, I like pretty ribbon detailing and space dye pattern of the top of the Bulerias Tank, and I also got two pairs of very comfortable Still pants which are being discontinued (not pictured). All stuff that I'm planning on wearing lots in the upcoming months, as I am 4 months pregnant and only getting bigger, but I'd say I'm definitely done for awhile... Also as part of Christmas, K. got his first Lululemon as well after trying a bunch of things on, two pairs of Core Shorts for running (he prefers shorts without builtin liners), which look really nice.

The high collar, hood, and long cozy length really make this jacket quite warm. Plus fits over the baby bump.

The Quickstep pant has two drawstrings, one around the ankle, and one vertical for cinching up to crops. I love the fabric, same lightweight fabric as the Dance Studio Pants, most comfortable for lounging around and travel. The Dance Studio Pants are baggier in the leg by about 1.5x, they almost cover my shoes when I wear them

The Triumphant tote is my favorite Lululemon bag. Very spacious with a billion zippered and open pockets. I also like the option of the shorter double straps for everyday use when carrying heavy items and longer strap for messenger style hands free use. Perfect diaper bag!

Power Technique Tank in Black Heathered Coal Mini Check. The mini check material is the softest and coziest ever, I wish I got more in this fabric. Tank is very billowy and comfortable, and is actually a size up (6) since they were sold out of my size. Worn with reversible lolo purple wunder under crops

Bulerias Tank in Magnum Space Dye. Hard to see, but the satin ribbon detail is very pretty and I really like the soft grayish purple color.

Lululemon Gratitude Wrap Review: Believe the Hype

Lululemon Gratitude Wrap in Black Swan / Black Swan Heathered Black Skeletonbone (second part refers to the herringbone inner lining that no one can see except for me). Worn with MiH Marrakesh Kick Flare jeans and Toms red striped wedges

For some reason, the Lululemon Gratitude Wrap is one of the most popular item that Lululemon has ever made, with quite the cult following. It is particularly coveted as it hasn't been released in the last few years, so Gratitude Wraps on EBay often sell for many multiples of the retail price. I never quite understood it as I had never seen one in real life before, even though I've been buying Lululemon for several years now. Lululemon re-released the Gratitude wrap to the Canadian stores over the last few weeks, but only to US customers through the online store last Thursday. I wasn't planning on being up for the release; usually they upload new items around 7am pacific, but I happened to naturally be awake at 6:50am on Thursday, so I hopped online. I managed to snag a Black Swan (dark purplish blue) in my regular size 4 as soon as it was uploaded at 6:59am; I was amazed to see the size 4 quickly sell out not a minute later. Unfortunately many people were not as lucky with website failures and canceled orders, shades of the Missoni for Target debacle.

The Gratitude Wrap arrived via fedex today and I have to say, I am in love. I was originally planning to think about it for a few days, and possibly wait for different colors to be released, but I couldn't help myself and tore off the tags so I could wear it immediately, which is quite unusual for me as I often vacillate on these kinds of things. I know the pictures aren't really that great and it does look a little like a potato sack, but I just love the Gratitude Wrap, even more than my beloved Savasana Wrap which I bought on sale for half off and wear as much as I can. The photos probably make it look bulkier since I'm wearing jeans as opposed to workout pants, but I plan on wearing the wrap with both workout gear as well as casual wear. I love the warm ribbed sleeve details with the thumbholes of the Gratitude Wrap; it's like wearing gloves and keeps me a lot toastier than the Savasana Wrap. The double breasted rows of buttons keeps the wrap buttoned up more securely, pockets at are a more accessible angle and I like how the wrap is nice and long in the back; looks proportionally better on me than the Savasana Wrap. I love the little contrast details like the elbow patches, back triangle patch and drawstrings. It's a lot more structured with interesting details than the Savasana Wrap, even though it's the same retail price. It's perfect for LA weather; I'm comfortably wearing a long sleeve shirt underneath and it will keep me warm and toasty for the LA fall / winter. I'm sure my usual top size 4 is the right size for me as I can still layer a long sleeve or thin sweater, the shoulders and sleeves are comfortable without any noticeable tightness but keep me warm, and the vertical edge of the wrap falls straight up and down, even if I have some bulk in the pockets like my hands. I'm really grateful that I was able to snag one and I know that I will have to restrain myself from wearing it everyday, neglecting all my other clothes, for the next few months. I've been pretty good at keeping my Lululemon purchases under control except for last week where I also bought a bulerias tank and my first pair of still pants, both on markdown. This should keep me covered for awhile... Oops, realized most people wear the Gratitude Wrap buttoned all the way up. Too lazy to take another picture at the moment.

Lululemon Gratitude Wrap: I love the thumbholes; makes the wrap so snug and cozy

You can faintly see the ribbed elbow patch

Nice and long in the back

Lululemon Savasana Wrap in  Coal / Coal Strata Stripe (also a size 4)

Lululemon Turbo Tank Review

Turbo Tank in Surge, worn with black wee stripe luon light wunder unders

What Lululemon hiatus? I stopped by my nearby store to check out the brand new Lululemon Turbo Tank the other day. I liked the look of the tank as it has a more interesting back than my usual cool racerbacks and was made of a different material than most of my workout tops. Excuse the hangtag, I'm a bit undecided on this tank, which is why the tag is still on. It is made out of luxtreme so is a bit thick and stiff particularly in the midsection. I prefer the softer luon or silkier circle mesh; I just feel like it drapes better. The midsection is also a bit loose and shapeless; I generally don't like my tanks too tight fitting, but even this is a little too loose for me. I hate sizing down, and plus there is no smaller size anyway. On the plus side, it's very supportive and pretty comfortable; I like the thicker straps which dig a little less both on the shoulders and in the back, as compared to the No Limit Tank which sometimes leaves marks on me. It is tightly fitted on the shoulders / upper back, which is a little bothersome as it is noticeable to me as I wear it. I like the bright heathered surge color; the dewberry color is too close to my potion purple and my static very violet tanks and the coal just looked like a regular athletic tank without the pop of color that I usually like. I like the long length as well. I like the tank but I don't love the tank like the No Limit Tanks, so it might be going back to the store.

Update 7/31/11: I returned the tank today after a free morning yoga class at Lululemon. I just don't love it enough so I probably won't wear it as often, which is just a waste.

The front isn't that exciting, looks a little bit like a cool racerback

Lululemon Run: Sun blocker LS and Wunder Under Crop Light Review - Two New Summer Faves!

Lululemon Run: Sun Blocker LS in Pink Mist with Run: Speed Skirt in Aruba Sunset Floral, my very first Lululemon piece of clothing

Since Lululemon's stock price is back over $100 after dipping to the low $80's the last few weeks, thus increasing the value of my (unfortunately very meager) number of shares, I bought a couple of needed items, mostly on sale. My favorite purchase was the Lululemon Run: Sun blocker Long Sleeve in pink mist. I've been more and more paranoid about sun exposure, especially living in Socal with the amount of sun I get everyday by simply walking, running or biking outside all the time and even driving. I never leave the house without Solumbra SPF 40 sunscreen, but even that's not adequate sun protection. I've been looking for UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) shirts; unfortunately most are quite ugly and ill fitting. I really love my Uniqlo UV Cut cardigans, but wanted something to work out in. I happened to see the last remaining Run: Sun blocker LS at the Beverly Hills Lululemon last week and tried it on. It's an awesome top; it's super comfortable: the super thin, silky cool and soft UPF jersey fabric feels so lovely with circle mesh venting, and the seams and ruching are cute and flattering. I love the thumbholes which allows the sleeves to be pulled over the hands, protecting the back of the hands which often get the most direct sun. I haven't worn it running yet, but I hope that it performs well. Update: My only complaint so far is that the fabric is quite delicate and snags really easily. I'll have to be very careful with this top, which is a little annoying. I also tried on the Run: Sunbeam Pullover in the Toothpaste color, which was really cute with the braided detail on the arms and crossed v-neck, but at $98, it was $30 more than the Sun blocker, and not worth it in my opinion. I rarely buy any Lululemon at full-price since it's so expensive, but I thought the Sunblocker was worth it, for its UPF technical performance. Most of Lululemon's plain long sleeve tops, such as the Run: swiftly are the same price, so I think the Sunblocker is a better relative value. I would love to get more tops, but it's still too expensive. Along with the savasana wrap (and now the wunder under *light), these are the Lululemon items that I've purchased recently that I love so much that I've pretty much worn them everyday since I bought them.

You can kind of see the ruching and seaming detail of the sun blocker in the back, plus a little pocket

After a free Sunday morning yoga class at Lululemon Brentwood, I bought a pair of the new luon light wunder under crop in black wee stripe (those free classes are so dangerous). I love wunder unders; they are my favorite crops for everything from yoga to bar method to SPX pilates. I prefer my crops to be fitted all the way through as opposed to flared at the bottom. I feel like I focus on keeping my form more in class plus I don't get distracted by the flare. I really like how wunder unders stay put at the bottom all throughout class and don't get bunchy around the knee while working out; that always drives me crazy (ie. the Lucy crops)! Also, wunder unders are a lot cheaper than the other Lululemon luon crops, which are usually $86 full price and $59 on sale. The wunder under *light are noticeably thinner than regular wunder unders, which is nice in the warmer weather, although they don't compress as much and are less forgiving, so I am definitely a little more self conscious. My other wunder unders are substantially thicker and slicker as they are also reversible (lolo purple / black) and tend to slip down initially when I wear them, while the luon light version stays in place from the get go which is nice, plus they are cheaper and only a few bucks more than other crops on sale. I really like the black wee stripe pattern; it's neat and different from all my other bottoms, plus its not see through, which was my initial concern with the light luon.

Wunder Under light luon in black wee stripe with static very violet Cool Racerback. Hard to see the stripe pattern in photos

I also purchased a couple of sale items, including a Grapeseed Flow Y, Manduka yoga towel (my first yoga towel despite several years of yoga) and a cute Travel Pooch in Grapeseed (for my mom). In addition to the Run: Sunbeam pullover, I also tried on a couple of popular items that I didn't buy including the Run: Resolution Skirt II in coal vapor and an Energy Bra. The Run: Resolution Skirt didn't lie flat and was really wrinkly in the front and back, and I didn't like the puffiness on the side and back, and I found the front straps of the Energy to be too wide and dug into my sides.

Run: Resolution skirt (from Lululemon website): a little too poofy and wrinkly on the back. Plus two running skirts (Tracker and Speed Skirts) are enough for me as I only wear them in the summer.

Sunbeam Pullover (picture from Lululemon website)

Travel Pooch (picture from Lululemon website): cute for a fanny pack

Father's Day 2011: Roast Chicken, Strawberries and Syrah

For Father's Day dinner this year, I made garlic roasted chicken with lemon and herbs, a strawberry arugula radicchio salad with toasted almonds and pomegranate balsamic vinaigrette, and roasted potatoes with rosemary and thyme. I started with Ina Garten's "Engagement Roast Chicken" recipe, but made what I thought were a couple crucial additions that really heightened the flavor and juiciness of the chicken: I brined the chicken overnight using 4 quarts of my usual brine, and I also stuffed the cavity with a sprig of rosemary and a few sprigs of thyme while roasting. I used organic young chicken from Costco and roasted it for 30 minutes, then rotated it and added a Le Creuset pot full of potatoes seasoned with fresh rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt and pepper, to the oven, then roasted everything for another 45 minutes and it came out perfectly. Everyone loved the chicken; it had a nice crispy seasoned skin with a tender and juicy meat, even the white meat, with a savory roasted garlic flavor brightened with some lemon notes. The gravy made everything even more moist and savory. I would definitely use this recipe again. The salad was very simple; I bought some very sweet ripe strawberries from the morning's Brentwood farmer's market on my way home from free yoga at Lululemon, sliced them, dry toasted some almonds in a pan, and whipped together a quick vinaigrette with half pomegranate balsamic vinegar from Carina Cellars, half regular balsamic vinegar, a little dijon mustard, a little olive oil and salt and pepper. We paired the meal with a 2006 Carina Cellars "7 percent" Syrah which went well with both the savory roast chicken and sweet strawberry salad. It wasn't the strongest or boldest syrah; it was rather medium bodied with just enough fruit, which actually made for a better pairing with the meal. Happy Father's Day everyone!

Pilates Platinum: Spinlates

I have been going to Spinlates at Pilates Platinum on Abbott Kinney in Venice for the last few weeks: 30 minutes of pilates on the "Proformer" followed by 30 minutes of spin. As painful as it is, it may be my new favorite workout: it's definitely one of the best workouts I have ever done. The Proformer is a machine with resistance built in with a series of pulleys, springs, handlebars, and a sliding bench which is used for various series of exercises targeting different muscle groups. It's really challenging and I can't quite keep up yet with the rest of the class who are regulars; it effectively targets a lot of muscles that I don't normally use and seems to be quite an efficient workout. You have to wear this weird looking grippy toe socks, but that's ok. I like it more than mat pilates and even better than the bar method type of workouts as I feel that the machine really works the muscles more with the optimal and safe form; sometimes I feel like my form is not quite correct with mat pilates and bar method so I'm not getting as good of a workout plus at risk for injury. I'm not working out as much as I used to and I've only gone to a couple of classes, only once a week, but I feel like I can see results already. It's the most expensive workout routines that I've tried; I'm currently on a Groupon trial that was a really good deal, but I'm seriously contemplating buying a series to supplement my usual yoga and running routine. Considering the cost of the equipment,it's relatively worth it. Update: I went to the Santa Monica studio with the newer "Megaformer" and I like it even more; the adjustable handles are much more comfortable with less wrist strain.

The "Megaformer" developed by Sebastien Lagree. Image from SPX Fitness

The "Proformer". Image from SPX Fitness

Lululemon Savasana Wrap Review

Lululemon savasana wrap in Heathered Sand Dune / Sand Dune Strata Stripe

Updated image of my coal Savasana Wrap (and a Gratitude Wrap!) here
I picked up a Savasana Wrap on sale today at the Lululemon in Brentwood. I've always liked the look of the Savasana wrap with the asymmetry and oversized collar which can be buttoned in a variety of ways plus savasana is my favorite yoga pose ;), but at $118, it was always too expensive for casual non-technical work-out wear. At 50% off, I still had to contemplate about it in the store for awhile, as it was final sale, which is the annoying thing about all Lululemon sale items. I hesitated because I would have preferred a darker gray or black (although in retrospect, I now like the lighter color since all my yoga bottoms are dark), and plus it was a size 2, which is a size down from what I normally wear in Lululemon tops. I like the fit in the body and arms, a size 4 might have been too baggy, like on the website model, but it is snug in the shoulders; I hope it doesn't end up annoying me. We called around to all the other local stores but they were sold out of both 2s and 4s. I was also surprised to find that there were no thumbholes; I am so used to the thumbholes on Lululemon, I love them. The inner lining striped pattern was bold at first, but now I really like it; it would be a little boring otherwise. I usually wear the Lululemon Define Jacket as my to and from workout coverup, but this will be warmer in cooler weather as well as for travel and general lounging around. I haven't bought any Lululemon since January (except for the stock) so I've done pretty well in controlling my addiction.

Update #1: sadly, I decided to pass the wrap along to my friend M. It's partly mental but I keep on focusing on the tightness in the shoulders which is really annoying. I know that I wouldn't wear the wrap as much which would be a waste. Besides, it's a jacket and meant to be loose and comfortable for layering and hanging around. It's too bad, because I do really like the fit everywhere else and the color as well. Learned my lesson again though; I should just stick with my regular size no matter how good the deal is, as I always end up disappointed if I size up or down. I've tried on several size 2 tops in Lululemon before and they always fit fine, except in the shoulders. I'm by no means tall, but at 5'6", my shoulders are just a little broad.

Update #2:  I just received my Coal / Strata Stripe Savasana Wrap that I tracked down online on sale in a 4 and it fits perfectly. I am so happy that I didn't stay sized down, even though a lot of people have recommended sizing down. It doesn't look bulky at all and I'm wearing it over a button down shirt and jeans and I'm so comfortable! The seams all fall very straight and the pockets also are in an easily accessible position. Perfect for this Cali June Gloom weather that we've been having. I do miss the lighter Sand Dune color, but I'm very happy to have something that fits. Updated pictures to come.

Lululemon savasana wrap with Lululemon run:dash crops

I also tried on the new Let It Loose Tank, which looks similar to my favorite No Limit Tank, but I didn't like it at all. I didn't like the feel of the outer sheer luon fabric; it was a little clingy and cottony feeling, I prefer the cool silky circle mesh of the No Limit Tank more. Plus, I didn't like the stiff pleats at the top of the outer sheer luon layer; I prefer the more natural drapey gathers of the No Limit Tank. Overall, the No Limit Tank flows so much better, due to the fabric and construction. They may look similar in pictures, but are quite different in real life.

Photo from Lululemon

YogaWorks Montana

Santa Monica probably has the most yoga studios per capita out of any other city and I've tried many of the studios including YogaHop and Revolution Fitness on Montana; Power Yoga (2 locations), Yogis Anonymous, YogaCo, Hot8Yoga around the Third Street Promenade, YogaWorks on Main Street and Montana, Maha Yoga on 26th Street, TruYoga in the Yahoo Center. The YogaWorks studio on Montana is really the pioneer of it all; the very first YogaWorks studio in the country founded in 1987. A lot of the best teachers in LA come from this YogaWorks location. I used my Lululemon gift of yoga free pass for Jesse Schein's class at YogaWorks Montana on Tuesday. I could tell a lot of people in the class were devoted followers of Jesse; I thought the class was good but not great. It reminded me of Vinnie Marino's class at YogaWorks Main Street. Yoga is highly subjective based on personal preferences, and personally I don't like a lot of traditional series A and series B poses; I just find it boring. I didn't feel like I was really pushed to learn anything new in the class and felt the urge to check the clock occasionally. Plus, I prefer at least some music in my classes (a lot of people can't stand any music). I've liked her class online and on cable tv in the past, but I'm less picky at home or on the road; I'll take any yoga I can get. The studio hasn't been updated in awhile and was really stuffy, reminded me a little of the YogaWorks on Main Street, although not that bad. All in all, it's not my style, but works for a lot of other people.